MC Alger and Mamelodi Sundowns Battle to a Goalless Draw in CAF Champions League Clash on 2025-11-28

In a tightly contested battle between MC Alger and Mamelodi Sundowns, both teams settled for a goalless draw in Match Round 2 of the CAF Champions League. The clash, held at the Stade du 5 Juillet in Algiers, witnessed a display of tactical prowess and defensive resilience from both sides.

The match kicked off with a high tempo as both teams looked to assert their dominance early on. MC Alger, playing in front of their home crowd, showed intent with some early attacking moves, but Mamelodi Sundowns’ defense stood firm, thwarting any goal-scoring opportunities that came their way.

Mamelodi Sundowns, on the other hand, demonstrated their attacking threat with some swift counter-attacks that tested MC Alger’s backline. However, the Algerian side managed to keep the visitors at bay, with their goalkeeper pulling off some crucial saves to deny Mamelodi Sundowns the lead.

The second half saw both teams upping the ante in search of the elusive breakthrough goal. MC Alger pushed forward with purpose, relying on their creative midfielders to unlock the Sundowns defense. Mamelodi Sundowns, meanwhile, continued to pose a threat on the break, utilizing their pace and skill to create chances.

As the clock ticked down, the tension grew palpable, with both sets of fans urging their teams on to find a late winner. However, neither side could find the cutting edge required to break the deadlock, and the match ended in a stalemate.

Overall, it was a closely fought encounter that showcased the competitive nature of African club football. Both MC Alger and Mamelodi Sundowns will take positives from the match as they look ahead to their upcoming fixtures in the CAF Champions League.

The draw leaves both teams with a point each in Group B, with plenty still to play for in the remaining matches of the group stage. Football fans can look forward to more exciting action as the tournament progresses, with MC Alger and Mamelodi Sundowns set to continue their quest for continental glory.

• MC Alger will play with Saint Eloi Lupopo. January 23 at 16:00 (GMT), on Stade de la Victoire.
• Mamelodi Sundowns will play with Al Hilal Omdurman. January 23 at 16:00 (GMT), on Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium.

MC Alger

• Alexis Benoit Guendouz (6.5)
• A. Bouguerra (7)
• Mohamed Réda Halaïmia (7.2)
• A. Abdellaoui (6.9)
• M. Khelif (7.3)
• Oussama Benhaoua (7.2)
• Mohamed Benkhemassa (6.6)
• Larbi Tabti (6.9)
• A. Bangoura (7.2)
• Z. Naidji (6.7)
• Zinedine Ferhat (6.9)

Mamelodi Sundowns

Substitutions:

MC Alger

• A. Bangoura (Soufiane Bayazid, 59)
• Zinedine Ferhat (A. Messoussa, 77)
• Z. Naidji (K. Zunon, 77)
• Mohamed Benkhemassa (Mohamed Bangoura, 86)
• Oussama Benhaoua (Mohamed Zoungrana, 86)

Mamelodi Sundowns

• Tashreeq Matthews (Arthur de Oliveira Sales, 84)
• Divine Lunga (Aubrey Maphosa Modiba, 84)
• Miguel Reisinho (Themba Zwane, 88)
• Keanu Grégory Cupido (Kegan Johannes, 90)
• Iqraam Rayners (Thapelo Maseko, 90)

Ball possession:

In a riveting clash between MC Alger and Mamelodi Sundowns, the South African side showcased dominance in possession with a commanding 66% of the ball compared to MC Alger’s 34%. Despite their control of the game, Mamelodi Sundowns struggled to convert their possession into goals, managing 4 shots on target but failing to hit the back of the net.

On the other hand, MC Alger, though having less of the ball, proved to be clinical in front of goal. They registered 8 shots on target, with 2 finding the back of the net. The standout performer in terms of attacking prowess for MC Alger was Zinedine Ferhat, who was a constant threat with his sharp shooting and ability to create opportunities.

For Mamelodi Sundowns, Nuno Miguel Valente Santos stood out as the most dangerous in front of goal, although his efforts were thwarted by the resilient MC Alger defense. Despite their inability to convert their chances, Mamelodi Sundowns displayed their attacking intent but ultimately fell short in the goal-scoring department.

In a match defined by contrasting styles of play, MC Alger’s clinical finishing proved to be the decisive factor as they emerged victorious over Mamelodi Sundowns. The Algerian side’s ability to make the most of their limited opportunities highlighted their efficiency in front of goal, securing them a well-deserved win in this enthralling encounter.

Passes:

In a highly competitive match between MC Alger and Mamelodi Sundowns, passing accuracy played a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the game. Larbi Tabti of MC Alger displayed commendable precision with a pass accuracy of 78%, completing a total of 42 passes throughout the match. Meanwhile, Keanu Grégory Cupido of Mamelodi Sundowns showcased exceptional accuracy with an impressive 91% pass completion rate out of 92 attempted passes.

The midfield maestros, A. Bouguerra of MC Alger and Miguel Reisinho of Mamelodi Sundowns, made their presence felt with key passes that added creativity to their respective team’s attacking play. Bouguerra delivered 1 key pass, while Reisinho mirrored his effort with 1 key pass as well.

The match was a true test of tactical awareness and technical ability, with both teams seeking to dominate possession and create scoring opportunities through precise passing. Ultimately, Mamelodi Sundowns emerged victorious, with their superior passing accuracy proving to be a decisive factor in securing the win.

This clash serves as a reminder of the importance of passing accuracy in modern football, where every successful pass can be the difference between victory and defeat. Both Larbi Tabti and Keanu Grégory Cupido showcased their ability to dictate play through their exceptional passing accuracy, leaving a lasting impact on the outcome of the match.

Defense:

In a tightly contested match between MC Alger and Mamelodi Sundowns, defensive prowess took center stage as both teams showcased their resilience at the back. The clash was characterized by a flurry of interceptions and blocks, with players from both sides putting in commendable defensive shifts to thwart attacking threats.

MC Alger recorded a total of 6 interceptions throughout the match, with midfielder M. Khelif leading the way with 2 crucial interceptions. Defender A. Bouguerra also chipped in with an interception to help his team maintain their defensive shape. On the other hand, Mamelodi Sundowns displayed a strong defensive performance, amassing a total of 7 interceptions. Midfielder Teboho Mokoena stood out with 2 interceptions, showcasing his ability to read the game and break up opposition attacks effectively.

When it came to blocking shots, MC Alger managed 2 blocks, with A. Bouguerra once again demonstrating his defensive acumen with a key block. Mamelodi Sundowns, on the other hand, registered 5 blocks, with Teboho Mokoena leading the way with an impressive 3 blocks. The defensive solidity shown by both teams made it challenging for the opposition to find openings and create clear-cut scoring opportunities.

Overall, the defensive battle between MC Alger and Mamelodi Sundowns was a testament to the importance of solid defensive play in football. The players’ ability to intercept passes and block shots played a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the match, highlighting the significance of organized and disciplined defending in modern football.

Face-to-face:

In a thrilling matchup between MC Alger and Mamelodi Sundowns, the face-to-face duels for the ball were at the forefront of the action. The leaders in this category showcased exceptional determination and skill, with Oussama Benhaoua of MC Alger engaging in an impressive 8 battles for possession, closely followed by Keanu Grégory Cupido of Mamelodi Sundowns with 6.

The intensity of the game was evident as both teams fought tirelessly for control of the midfield, with Benhaoua and Cupido leading by example with their relentless pursuit of the ball. Their tenacity and competitive spirit set the tone for a fiercely contested match that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

Benhaoua’s commanding presence in the center of the park for MC Alger was a key factor in their ability to disrupt Mamelodi Sundowns’ attacking rhythm, while Cupido’s composure under pressure was instrumental in his team’s efforts to break down the opposition’s defense.

As the final whistle blew, it was clear that the battle for possession had been a crucial aspect of the game, with Benhaoua and Cupido emerging as standout performers in this regard. Their commitment to winning the ball in face-to-face duels exemplified the competitive spirit and determination that defined this exciting encounter between two top teams.

Overall, the clash between MC Alger and Mamelodi Sundowns was a showcase of skill, intensity, and passion, with Benhaoua and Cupido leading the way in the battle for possession. Their exceptional performances in the face-to-face duels added an extra layer of excitement to an already thrilling match, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this captivating rivalry.

Fouls:

Yellow cards:

• Oussama Benhaoua (MC Alger) at 78 minute
• Miguel Reisinho (Mamelodi Sundowns) at 14 minute
• Keanu Grégory Cupido (Mamelodi Sundowns) at 31 minute

The last five games (including this match):

• MC Alger – L
• Mamelodi Sundowns – W

Top 5 CAF Champions League scorers:

1. Ahmed Atef El Sayed (3, Pyramids FC)
2. Nuno Miguel Valente Santos (2, Mamelodi Sundowns)
3. Mahmoud Ahmed Ibrahim Hassan (2, Al Ahly)
4. Bernardo Dias (1, Petro de Luanda)
5. Abdelrazig Yagoub Omer Taha (1, Al Hilal Omdurman)

Line-ups:

Next games:

• MC Alger will play with Saint Eloi Lupopo. January 23 at 16:00 (GMT), on Stade de la Victoire.
• Mamelodi Sundowns will play with Al Hilal Omdurman. January 23 at 16:00 (GMT), on Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium.